Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
| Quick Answer: Qdenga (TAK-003) is a two dose dengue vaccine approved in the UK and available privately at Newdays Pharmacy in Berkshire. It is suitable for dengue naive individuals aged four and above. The two doses are given three months apart. It is recommended for travellers to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Africa where dengue is endemic. |
Dengue fever is one of the most rapidly spreading mosquito borne viral diseases globally and is one of the most significant infectious disease risks for UK travellers to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. Unlike malaria, which is transmitted by night biting mosquitoes, dengue is spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that bite primarily during daylight hours, making bed nets alone insufficient protection. The Qdenga vaccine, approved in the UK in 2022, is a significant development in travel health protection. Newdays Pharmacy offers Qdenga as part of our travel health service in Berkshire.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is caused by one of four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4), transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Symptoms typically develop four to ten days after a bite and include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, intense muscle and joint pain (historically called breakbone fever), nausea, vomiting, and a characteristic rash. Most cases resolve within seven to ten days, but a small proportion progress to severe dengue which can be life threatening. There is no specific antiviral treatment; management is supportive.
How Does Qdenga Work?
Qdenga (TAK-003) is a live attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine containing weakened versions of all four dengue serotypes. Unlike the earlier dengue vaccine Dengvaxia, which required prior dengue infection for safe use, Qdenga is suitable for dengue naive individuals, making it appropriate for most UK travellers who have not previously had dengue fever. Clinical trials demonstrated approximately 61 percent overall efficacy against symptomatic dengue and approximately 84 percent efficacy against hospitalised dengue.
Who Is Qdenga Recommended For?
Qdenga is recommended for travellers aged four and above travelling to dengue endemic regions. It is particularly relevant for travellers to Southeast Asia (including the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia), South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), the Caribbean, Central and South America, and parts of Africa. The two doses are given three months apart.
Mosquito Bite Avoidance Alongside Qdenga
Even with Qdenga vaccination, mosquito bite avoidance remains important as no vaccine provides 100 percent protection. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes bite primarily in the early morning and late afternoon. Apply DEET repellent of 30 to 50 percent concentration to all exposed skin during these peak biting periods. Long sleeves and trousers during peak biting times and screened or air conditioned accommodation provide additional protection.
| Book Now: Book a Travel Health Consultation at Newdays Pharmacy. We serve patients from Windsor, Eton, Twyford, Reading, and across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. |
| Clinical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment or medication. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and reviewed by a GPhC-registered pharmacist. Newdays Pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Branch registration numbers: Eton/Windsor 1029048 | Twyford 1028983 | Coley Park Reading 1029008. |